Motorcycles at the 1922 Olympia Show

Popular on account of its liveliness, ease of steering and steadiness, the chain-driven Rudge has not undergone serious modifications for 1923. The alterations are an improved toolbag on the top tube, and a slight change in colour. Some improvement has also been made in the domed mudguards, which are now 6 in. across. Both the single and twin cylinder models will be available with a new four-speed gear box.

Worthy of note is the ingenious construction of the new sidecar chassis, which consists of a tubular hairpin, one side of which runs parallel with the centre line of the machine. The frame is very rigid owing to the construction of the rear axle, which is a straight tube with massive forgings at both ends. This axle may be easily unclipped and reversed so that the chassis may fit the other side of the machine.

Extending from a 147 c.c. Villiers-engined lightweight at £28 10s. to a 976 c.c. J.A.P.-engined sidecar outfit at £123, the Excelsior range of models caters for extreme tastes without reaching extremely high prices. In between are another Villiers model (247 c.c, £48), a 348 c.c. J.A.P. (£67), and a 349 c.c. Blackburne (£67).

The miniature is fitted with a plain two-speed gear box, the remaining two-stroke has the same ratios, but a clutch and kick-starter, and the larger machines have three-speed boxes with all-chain drive. For £3 7s. 6d. extra the 147 c.c. model may be fitted with a clutch and a lighting set.

One way in which the Raleigh engine differs from many others is that it has a scoop on the big end to pick up oil from the crank case. The chain-driven machine is of attractive appearance, and can be fitted with a 348 c.c. or 398 c.c. engine; for the latter a special sidecar and tradesman's carrier have been designed. An internal expanding rear brake of large diameter has been embodied.

The finish of the Raleigh is, of course, without reproach, while its performances in reliability trials at home and abroad are very much to the credit of its makers. Sixty-five m.p.h. is claimed for a sports model.